Ameliorative Potential of Vitamin E and Selenium Against Di‐2‐Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP)–Induced Toxicity in Adult Female Mice

Di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is an omnipresent environmental toxicant with significant potential for human exposure. It primarily escapes from plastic packaging used for food and water. DEHP exposure has been linked to several health hazards, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and organ toxicity, disrupting the endocrine system as well as affecting biological processes. The present study investigates the protective effects of Vitamin E and selenium against DEHP‐induced toxicity in adult female mice. In this study, adult female mice (Swiss Albino) were randomly categorized into five groups: control, DEHP, DEHP + Vitamin E, DEHP + Na 2 SeO 3 , and DEHP + Vitamin E + Na 2 SeO 3 . From Day 49 to Day 61 of the treatment period, the animals were administered orally 600 mg/kg body weight of DEHP, 200 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin E, and 1 mg/kg body weight of Na 2 SeO 3 . After treatment, body weight, organ‐to‐body weight ratio, and hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. DEHP exposure caused a significant decrease in final body weight, body weight gain, and rate of body weight gain, but DEHP + Vitamin E, DEHP + Na 2 SeO 3 , and DEHP + Vitamin E + Na 2 SeO 3 groups lessened it. While considering blood parameters, the group exposed to DEHP showed a notable rise in white blood cells (WBCs). Furthermore, the DEHP group significantly increased random blood sugar (RBS), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase serum levels. Nevertheless, these levels were notably decreased in the groups who received treatment with Vitamin E and sodium selenite (Na 2 SeO 3 ). Phthalate exposure also led to a significant increase in the organ‐to‐body weight ratio in the spleen and slight discoloration with necrotic foci present in the liver compared to the control group. It is remarkable that Vitamin E and Na 2 SeO 3 separately or synergistically mitigated all the changes. The present investigation provides evidence that Vitamin E and sodium selenite can minimize phthalate‐induced damage in adult female mice.